AFCON 2023: Ahmed Musa on What Nigerians Should Expect if He Starts Against Ivory Coast

• Ahmed Musa has opened up on what Nigerians should expect in the Super Eagles game against Ivory Coast
• The ex-Leicester City star also disclosed how the team reacted to their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea
• The 31-year-old was part of the Nigerian squad that won the 2013 edition of the competition in South Africa

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has disclosed what Nigerians should expect from him if he starts against Ivory Coast in the second group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria drew their first game of the competition against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14.

The three-time African champions struggled against the National Thunder, with a header from Victor Osimhen saving them from losing their first group-stage game.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, Musa shared his thoughts ahead of the game against the host nation on Thursday.

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"We know there would be a lot of pressure in that game, but we have told ourselves we can do it. We know we can do more, and by God's grace, we'll get a win," he said.

The former Kano Pillars winger also reacted to Nigerians calling for him to come on as a substitute against the National Thunder and what he could offer if given a starting berth against Ivory Coast.

"I will always do my best when I am on the pitch. No matter how many minutes I play or if I start the game, I will always make Nigerians proud."

The former CSKA Moscow forward also admitted that the draw against Equatorial Guinea disappointed the team.

"[The draw] was definitely disappointing to the team; everybody in the squad was not happy, but there is little we can do as we can't change the result."

The 2013 AFCON winner also disclosed how he handled criticism and how it affected him.

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"For me, as I always say, the criticism on social media doesn't get to me. I am a strong guy, and I always believe that it always encourages me to do more," he concluded.

Fans will be looking to the veteran to make a bigger impact against the host nation today (January 18) as the Super Eagles look to advance.

Kenneth Omeruo speaks on Ivory Coast clash

Sports Brief also previously reported that Kenneth Omeruo deliberated on Nigeria's next match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles are still in search of their first win and the former Chelsea defender believes they can achieve that against the host nation on Thursday.